Richard Pryor’s blend of social commentary and comedy still resonates.

George Carlin, the controversial comedian’s comedian, started out with family-friendly routines for top ’60s TV shows.

Tina Fey broke into the boy’s club as the first woman head writer of an iconic comedy show.

Eddie Murphy spoofed a famous green guy on “SNL” and was later a film sidekick to another green guy.

Bill Cosby was the quintessential TV dad; did his show also pave the way for President Barack Obama?

Mo’Nique, an anointed Queen of Comedy, is now taking late-night by storm.

Before the characters Will Truman and Kurt Hummel,  Ellen DeGeneres came out as gay on prime time TV.

Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy is about nothing — not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Lily Tomlin took monologues to new heights with her acclaimed one-woman show.

Bob Newhart, the king of the one-sided conversations, played Will Ferrell’s pint-sized dad on film.

Story-telling comedian Dane Cook is preparing to star in a dramatic Broadway play.

Chris Rock, who got his start in sketch comedy, is starring in a Broadway play.

The prowess of Jim Carrey ranges from Fire Marshall Bill to serious acting roles.

Despite a 1990s s** scandal,  Woody Allen remains the archetypal New York nebbish.

Urbane and witty, Bob Hope entertained troops and hosted the ultimate awards show.

Margaret Cho broke a barrier on television and made comedic history.